Alternative Names

• You Gui Wan

“Restore the Right Pill” is a reference to an ancient theory that the Yang-warmth of the body comes from the right Kidney (while the yin-fluids come from the left.)

The Kidney yang-warmth in the body looks like metabolic heat in modern medicine. However, the Kidney yang is associated with many other specific function in Chinese medicine such as the muscular strength of the lower back and knees, libido, fertility, fluid metabolism and urinary functions, and even some immunity functions.

Ingredients

Rou Gui 肉桂 inner bark of Saigon cinnamon, cinnamon bark Cinnamomi Cortex [don’t use if pregnant]

Fu Zi 附子 Prepared daughter root of Sichuan aconite Radix Lateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli Praeparata [don’t use if pregnant] [This herb is not included in the on-line formula. In place of Fu Zi we use a higher dosage of Rou Gui. The reason is that Fu Zi is a safe herb but if not used correctly for the correct condition can cause side effects. Fu Zi is needed in some cases, as examples: the aged or those with heart conditions. As an aphrodisiac or libido enhancer it depends totally on the patient’s condition. Those persons who feel they need the use of Fu Zi require a consultation. Hope you understand.]

• These two herbs are very warm in nature, like hot peppers, but instead of burning your tongue, they warm your insides. They are said to “restore the right Kidney” because this is the source of yang or warmth in the body. These are especially important for those who feel cold all the time.

Shan Yao 山藥 dioscorea rhizome, Chinese yam Dioscoreae Rhizoma

• Shan Yao is a general tonic herb, famous for its ability to address weaknesses in all of the key organs.

Shu Di Huang 熟地黄 cooked rehmannia root, prepared Chinese foxglove root Rehmanniae Radix preparata [supports pregnancy]

Shan Zhu Yu 山茱萸 Asiatic cornelian cherry fruit, cornus Corni Fructus

Dang Gui 當歸 tangkuei, Chinese angelica root Radix Angelicae Sinensis [supports pregnancy]

Gou Qi Zi 枸杞子 lycium fruit, Chinese wolfberry, matrimony vine fruit, goji berry Lycii Fructus [use caution if pregnant]

• These four herbs are nourishing to the yin or body fluids and blood of the body. It is important to add these to the first two herbs in this formula because yang-warmth is like the spark, yin-fluids serve as the fuel, and the outcome is Kidney qi-energy. Qi energy means everything from having enough energy to appropriate urinary output which prevents edema or excessive urination.

Du Zhong 杜仲 Eucommiae Cortex eucommia bark [supports pregnancy]

Tu Si Zi 菟絲子 Chinese dodder seeds; cuscuta Cuscutae Semen [supports pregnancy]

• These herbs are like the warmers listed above, but have a more gentle effect which accumulates over time. They also strengthen the lower back. Many times, a Kidney deficiency will cause low back (and knee) pain and/or weakness. Tu Si Zi is something of a libido enhancement herb here too. Kidneys store the “jing” which is often associated with sexual desire and performance, not to mention fertility.